Taylor Decker

Taylor Decker Bio

Taylor Decker (born August 23, 1993) is an American professional football offensive tackle who played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 16th overall pick. Decker spent nine seasons with the Lions, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2024 and establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most reliable left tackles. He played for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2012 to 2015, helping the team win the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2014 and earning consensus All-American honors in 2015.

Early Life and Background

Taylor Decker was born in Vandalia, Ohio, where he attended Butler High School. He was a three-year starter for the football team, playing the left tackle position throughout his high school career. Decker was recognized as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and ranked as the 23rd-best offensive tackle in his class. His athletic abilities extended beyond football, as he also played basketball during high school.

Decker originally committed to play college football at the University of Notre Dame before changing his mind and deciding to attend Ohio State University instead. His decision to join the Buckeyes proved significant, as it positioned him for a standout collegiate career that would launch him into the NFL.

Path to American Football

Decker arrived at Ohio State in 2012 as a highly decorated recruit and immediately made an impact. He played in all 12 games as a true freshman, primarily on special teams while logging 22 snaps on offense. His development accelerated rapidly, and by his sophomore season in 2013, he took over the starting right tackle position, appearing in all 14 games at that spot.

Prior to his junior season in 2014, Decker moved from right tackle to left tackle, becoming the Buckeyes’ only returning starter on the offensive line. He started all 15 games that season, including the College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Oregon, helping secure Ohio State’s first national championship since 2002. This championship win marked the beginning of Ohio State’s dominant run in college football during the mid-2010s.

Taylor Decker Career

Ohio State Career (2012–2015)

Decker’s senior season in 2015 represented the pinnacle of his collegiate career. He started all 13 games at left tackle and earned numerous accolades, including being named a consensus All-American, Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, and first-team All-Big Ten. His performance that season solidified his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in the country and made him a first-round NFL Draft target.

Throughout his four seasons at Ohio State, Decker appeared in 54 games and started 42 of them, developing into a complete offensive tackle with the skills to succeed at the professional level. His versatility, consistency, and leadership qualities became trademarks of his game that would translate well to the NFL.

Detroit Lions Era (2016–2025)

The Detroit Lions selected Taylor Decker with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, addressing a critical need on their offensive line. On May 6, 2016, he signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $10.96 million contract with a $6.17 million signing bonus. Decker immediately earned the starting left tackle job and started all 16 games in his rookie season, becoming the only player besides quarterback Matthew Stafford to play every offensive snap for the Lions that year. His outstanding rookie performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and made him the Lions’ Rookie of the Year.

Decker’s second season was interrupted by injury when he underwent shoulder surgery on June 6, 2017. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list to start the season and was not activated until November 11, 2017. Despite the setback, he returned to start the final eight games at left tackle, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the team.

The 2018 season brought one of the more memorable moments of Decker’s career. On December 2, 2018, against the Seattle Seahawks, he caught a touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford. After scoring, Decker threw the football into the stands in celebration. He later revealed on social media that it was his first-ever touchdown in football, having played the sport since first grade. He successfully connected with the fan who caught the ball and retrieved his first career touchdown football as a keepsake.

Pro Bowl Seasons and Extension (2019–2024)

Decker continued his solid play throughout the late 2010s and into the 2020s. On April 29, 2019, the Lions exercised the fifth-year option on his contract, signaling their commitment to keeping him as a foundational piece of their offensive line. On September 1, 2020, Decker signed a five-year, $70.35 million contract extension, making him one of the higher-paid offensive tackles in the league. Remarkably, Decker revealed later that he played the early portion of the 2020 season while battling appendicitis.

The 2021 season saw Decker land on injured reserve after undergoing finger surgery in September. He was activated in November and appeared in nine games that year. He bounced back strongly in 2022, scoring his second career touchdown on a pass from Tim Boyle in a game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 2. The Detroit Sports Media Association and Detroit chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association recognized him with the 2022 media-friendly Good Guy Award for his accessibility with reporters. He started all 17 games in the 2022 season and 15 games in the 2023 season.

The 2024 season marked the crowning achievement of Decker’s career when he earned his first Pro Bowl selection. On July 29, 2024, he and the Lions agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract extension, keeping him with the organization through 2027. He appeared in and started 14 games during the 2024 season, earning recognition as one of the league’s top offensive tackles.

Playing Style and Strengths

Decker has established himself as a durable and reliable left tackle throughout his NFL career. His ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level for multiple seasons, despite occasional injuries, speaks to his toughness and football intelligence. As a pass protector, he has consistently shown the ability to handle elite edge rushers, which is why the Lions made him their blindside protector for nearly a decade. His experience at both right and left tackle in college gave him versatility that served him well in the NFL.

Notable Events and Milestones

Decker’s career has been defined by longevity, durability, and consistent performance. His 140 consecutive starts from 2016 through 2025 demonstrate his reliability. Beyond his on-field achievements, his touchdown catches in 2018 and 2022 added unique highlights to his career, showcasing his hands and athleticism for a player of his size. His Pro Bowl selection in 2024 validated what coaches and teammates had long recognized about his abilities.

Taylor Decker Career Statistics

Throughout his nine seasons with the Detroit Lions from 2016 to 2025, Taylor Decker established himself as one of the most consistent offensive tackles in franchise history. He appeared in 140 games and started all 140, never missing a start during his healthy seasons. His durability was remarkable, as he rarely missed games due to injury despite the physical demands of the position.

NFL Career Highlights

Decker’s NFL career included several notable achievements beyond his Pro Bowl selection. His rookie season was particularly impressive, as he became the only player besides Matthew Stafford to play every offensive snap for the Lions that year. His 2016 PFWA All-Rookie Team selection signaled that he was on a trajectory to become one of the league’s elite tackles. His career was highlighted by his consistency, starting every game in most seasons and rarely missing significant time despite the physical nature of his position.

College Achievements

At Ohio State, Decker was part of the 2014 national championship team and earned consensus All-American honors in 2015. His Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year award that same year recognized his dominance against conference competition. These accolades established his reputation as a top prospect before entering the NFL.

Taylor Decker Family

Personal Life

Taylor Decker has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his NFL career. He has not publicly disclosed information about a spouse or children. Decker has been active on social media, where he shares glimpses of his life outside of football with his followers.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked the ninth year of Taylor Decker’s tenure with the Detroit Lions. He appeared in and started 14 games, continuing his streak of consistent play at left tackle. The Lions’ offense relied heavily on his veteran presence to protect their quarterback and anchor the offensive line. His performance throughout the season reinforced his value to the organization and contributed to the team’s continued competitiveness in the NFC North division.

Decker’s career with the Lions represented one of the most tenured relationships between a player and franchise in modern NFL history. His durability, professionalism, and on-field performance made him a respected leader in the Lions locker room. While his contract extension through 2027 indicated the team’s commitment to keeping him, Decker’s future with the organization would ultimately be determined by mutual discussions as the 2025 season concluded.